Engaged in a deep conversation with an old friend, I asked, “who have you disappointed in your life?”
“Who haven’t I disappointed?! My parents. My wife. My kids. My friends. I’ve even managed to disappoint the dog. And me? I disappointment myself all the time. I never seem to measure up.”
And the rooster crowed.
What triggers the reality check in your heart when someone you love is (justly) hurt or disappointed in something you’ve said, done or neglected?
It’s often their nonverbals. The sigh. The stance. The tone of their voice. The look in their eye.
For Peter, it was Jesus’ eyes.
About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him (Jesus), for he is a Galilean.” Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter . . . And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:59-62 NIV
What were those three days like for Peter? What are those moments like for you? The word brutal comes to mind. Our sin separates us from those we love. The division can be fierce, especially when disappointment is frequent, causing distance and resistance.
Mary Magdalene was one of the first to the tomb that Sunday morning. Seeing the dislodged stone, she ran back to find Peter and John. In a flash, the two were off. John’s youthfulness quickly put him in the lead, leaving Peter, I imagine, winded and lagging behind. Once there, John carefully peered into the tomb, taking in the sight. Not Peter. Boom. Straight into the tomb he went. He knew where he needed to be. (John 20:1-6)
For Peter, there was no holding back. The veil had been torn. The stone rolled away. Every ounce of him ached to be face-to-face with his Friend, his Lord, his Savior.
If your soul aches with the knowledge of falling short with God, a dear friend or yourself … there is a place you can run.
The empty tomb. Run! Run hard.
Meet the mender of our broken promises.
And from there? The Holy Spirit will direct us to the ‘heart work’ we need to do to bring hope and healing to us all.
Thanks for this one, Brenda. I’m up at Confirmation Camp this week with campers who just heard about forgiveness being part of The Jesus Way (Day 2). I think I will use this as a devotion to help with reviewing and reinforcing yesterday’s theme.
Hope you and your family are well.
About 40 mins north of you, I’m enjoying the rest and renewal that camp can bring!
Paul — I love when God pulls out his highlighter, reinforcing what He has for us and His people.
Rest well this week! I think today we’re in for some rainy day fun.
Amen, sister! And thanks for the heads up on the weather.
In Christ’s Love, Paul who is your brother but not THAT brother 😉
Rev. Paul A. Offhaus St. John Lutheran Church, where We Envision a World Fed and Led by God
Our Mission: Fed and Led by God, we live as a neighbor– – in the West Central community, – the city of Fort Wayne, and – all the world.
Amen!
Love it!
Love you!
“.. there was no holding back. The veil had been torn. The stone rolled away. Every ounce of him ached to be face-to-face with his Friend, his Lord, his Savior.” This brings tears as I long for the veil to be removed from my brother’s eyes and heart. Using this as a prayer for my brother’s acceptance of Jesus. Thank you.
Suzanna,
Joining you – on my knees – for your brother . . . and for the love of his sister who has set her eyes on Jesus. Lord, remove the veil!
Oh, Brenda, I had two of those yesterday. One I used my stand by of “I’m sorry.” Then I walked away. (Or ran quickly to the first exit). I try not to justify myself or my actions, but I do it too often. Was I wrong? Was she? I was. I knew what she was saying and instead of supporting what she was doing, I came in with correction. God, forgive me. The other situation was a comment about toxic people. I thought of how toxic I’ve been in the lives of so many. This friend rebuked me….justly….and I received it. I was listening to the lies and not the Truth. I’m so proud of Peter. He was devastated, but he didn’t try to rationalize, justify, or run away. I could learn a lot from this man.
You and me together, Betty!
This side of heaven, we are on a growth curve that will keep us busy the rest of our lives.
Thanks for this, Brenda! It so ministers to me…. yes, alongside learning to embrace rest, I must keep running hard to Jesus! I’m with Peter.
Blessings, Jen
Jen,
We’re in this together! Running hard and fast.
Eyes on Jesus and His empty tomb!
This is wonderful and just what I needed today.
He is so very good. Always providing. Praising Him with you today. May we run unhindered to the empty tomb and Jesus’ open arms. Best news of all – He’s running toward us, faster than we can even imagine.